Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has expressed strong concerns following reports that a FEMA supervisor directed relief workers to bypass homes displaying support for former President Trump. The incident allegedly resulted in at least 20 houses with Trump campaign signs being overlooked for federal disaster assistance outreach after Hurricane Milton in Florida.

In her communication to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Senator Britt stated, "I am writing to express my outrage with recent press reports that, in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Florida, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor instructed relief workers to bypass houses displaying support for President Trump . . . It is simply outrageous that any FEMA personnel, let alone a supervisor, would condition aid to victims based on their political views."

Senator Britt acknowledged Administrator Criswell's condemnation of these actions and the subsequent firing of the supervisor involved. However, she emphasized the need for further investigation into how such an event occurred and whether others were complicit. "The American people need answers regarding how this happened and if anyone else was complicit, as well as assurance it will not happen again," she added.

As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA operations, Senator Britt highlighted her commitment to ensuring that disaster relief funds are accessible to all Americans affected by presidentially declared disasters without discrimination based on political views. She noted Congress's upcoming consideration of supplemental funding necessary for ongoing federal disaster relief efforts.

Senator Britt has requested detailed responses from Secretary Mayorkas and Administrator Criswell by November 15. Her inquiries include questions about existing policies against politicizing aid, potential delays linked to political affiliations, whistleblower accounts related to the incident, and knowledge among FEMA personnel prior to media exposure.

The full text of Senator Britt's letter is available online.